Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Legendary clarinetist marching today

Back in the 1950's and 60's, if you said "New Orleans Jazz" people would respond, "Pete Fountain."

The legendary clarinetist grew up in New Orleans and still lives in the city. His home flooded following Hurricane Katrina, washing away a lifetime of photos, musical scores, instruments, and memories.

Fountain says he was stunned by the fury of the storm and still has not recovered from the shock of the loss. He's lost 25 pounds and has battled depression.

He says "music is great medicine" and there was never any question that he would march and play on Mardi Gras Day, albeit without half his Aztec costume. It was lost in the flood.

Fountain says he will never compose a piece called "Katrina." In his words, "it's a beautiful name but boy, she was mean."